Journal of Transportation Research

Journal of Transportation Research

Assessment of Noise and Vibration Induced by Train Passage in the Historic Area of Tepe Hesar, Damghan

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Road, Housing and Urban Development Research Center, Tehran, Iran.
2 Research Assistant, Road, Housing and Urban Development Research Center, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/tri.2026.576598.3443
Abstract
The passage of railway lines near historical sites can, through the generation of vibration and noise pollution, produce undesirable effects on the structural stability and conservation values of these areas. Damghan Station, located on the heavily trafficked Tehran–Mashhad corridor, lies adjacent to the core area and buffer zone of the historical site of Tepe Hisar in Damghan, and the continuous movement of rail fleets within this zone has created concerns from the perspectives of cultural heritage protection and railway operation management. The aim of this research is to evaluate the level of noise and vibration generated by train passage in this area and to compare the results with the permissible limits of relevant standards. To this end, field studies involving measurements of vibration and sound were conducted at different points across the site, and the results were analyzed using standard criteria. The findings showed that in parts of the historical area, vibration and noise levels exceed allowable limits. Accordingly, the results of the study indicate that the continued operation of railways in proximity to historical sites requires special attention to monitoring, controlling physical impacts, and adopting appropriate management strategies to ensure the sustainable protection of these sites.
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